It is a dark reality that many teens contemplate suicide in order to deal with the very confusing, often unfair realities of teen life. Some are serious, some are not, but the majority of teens report thinking about suicide at least once. How can you know when your own suicidal thoughts are crossing the line? How can you help a friend who you think is suicidal? What are the telltale signs that a person is considering suicide? We give you answers in this FAQ of your most asked questions on the topic of teen suicide.

What are the most common warning signs that somebody is seriously considering suicide?
The most common signs that somebody may be at risk for suicide are:

• A previous suicide attempt, even if it seemed staged or designed to get attention, or boasts of past or secret suicide attempts.
• Talking about being dead or wishing they were dead, how others would be happier if he/she were dead or how much better off others will be when he/she is gone.
• Repeatedly engaging in very risky or dangerous thrill seeking behavior.
• "Getting the house in order" - making plans for the care of loved siblings, parents, relatives or pets and giving away cherished belongings to close friends.
• Extreme mood swings; very depressed episodes followed by happy episodes with no clear reason for the change.
• Refusal to accept praise or compliments - sometimes met with rash anger or manic sadness.
• Regular expressions of worthlessness, helplessness, sadness and/or lonliness.
• Drastic changes in habits, friends, or appearance, ie; new friends, skipping school, dropping out of favorite activities, and no longer caring about appearance or cleanliness.
• Changes in weight, sleeping habits, and physical activity.
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities that once gave the person pleasure or a sense of identity.
• A sudden, unexpected and tragic event or the anniversary of such an event accompanied by a uncharacteristic withdrawl and/or depression.